Top 10 Moments Behind the Wheel

Last Updated on August 3, 2021

This is another one of those lists that could literally never end. Think about how many scenes are filmed in automobiles. I did the best I could and picked some of the most memorable moments I could think of but as always, I’m anxious to see your suggestions at the bottom of the article. Until then, grab your buddies, load up the cooler, and stop for any and all hitchhikers. It’s time for a road trip.

1. Meet Mr. Rex – JURASSIC PARK (1993)

Any thoughts that Steven Spielberg couldn’t bring this book to life went out the window in the moment pictured above. In what I believe is one of the top five greatest action scenes ever filmed, audiences were horrified as what seemed like a real life dinosaur put the smack down on those kids in the car. I’ll never forget literally sitting on the edge of my seat in the theatre yelling at that little girl to shut the f*cking flashlight off. It still brings out the frightened little kid in me to watch.

2. I shot Marvin in the Face – PULP FICTION (1994)

How f*cking funny was this? What starts out as a discussion about divine intervention, miracles, and an excuse to get out of the business of killing people for Jules (Samuel L. Jackson) ends in accidentally blowing someone’s head off in the back seat. You almost have to rewind right away to make sure you just saw what you thought you saw. What kills me is how unimportant it is that Marvin is dead. Getting off the street and cleaning up is much more important than dealing with murder.

3. Tiny Dancer – ALMOST FAMOUS (2000)

You know those scenes that give you goosebumps no matter how many times you watch them? Scenes that define entire genres? Scenes that make you feel like crying because you’re so drawn to the characters and what they’re going through. This is that scene for me. I love how awkward the interaction between Russell (Billy Crudup) and the rest of Stillwater is when they’re first reunited on the bus. I love how crazy Penny Lane (Kate Hudson) is. I love William’s (Patrick Fugit) acceptance of his new life. I love Jason Lee. Sometimes I start fights with my friends in the car and then throw on some Elton John and see if it makes everything better. Sometimes I get beat up.

4. Let’s keep going – THELMA & LOUISE (1991)

It was the ending nobody saw coming. (SPOILER ALERT!!) At the end of the day, when the girls are done killing rapists, robbing convenience stores, blowing up trucks that belong to foul mouthed truckers, and discovering Brad Pitt’s abdominal muscles, they would rather hold hands and drive off a cliff than deal with the consequences. Children cry, feminists cheer, and men change the channel.

5. Galileo, Galileo – WAYNE’S WORLD (1992)

In one swift blow this scene made head banging cool, introduced the excellence of QUEEN to a whole new generation of fans, and allowed everyone in the world a chance to act like a retard while singing along with Bohemian Rhapsody. Who knew cruising around in a Pacer could be so much fun? My favourite part comes when they find their friend Phil bombed out of his mind on a bench and throw him in the back seat. Even Phil comes through in the end with some quality back-up vocals as he holds back the vomit.

6. Bat Country – FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS (1998)

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be absolutely shit faced to appreciate to utter hilarity of this scene. Watching Raoul (Johnny Depp) try to comprehend what’s going on around him is like being the designated driver on the night all your friends decided to wash down a hand full of mushrooms with moonshine. Raoul and Dr. Gonzo (Benicio Del Toro) had more than mushrooms though. In fact, they were traveling with two bags of grass, seventy-five pellets of mescaline, five sheets of high-powered blotter acid, a saltshaker half-full of cocaine, and a whole multi-colored collection of uppers, downers, laughers, screamers…., a quart of tequila, a quart of rum, a case of beer, a pint of raw ether, and two dozen amyls. I think seeing the odd bat would be the least of my worries.

7. Nice Air Bags – THE CHASE (1994)

As if Charlie Sheen needed an excuse to get any cooler, he gets to bang the original BUFFY (Kristy Swanson) while driving the BMW he stole from her as he was taking her hostage and being chased by the cops. It amazes me how this scene along with her making out with Jennifer Connelly in HIGHER LEARNING and an appearance in Playboy didn’t shoot Kristy to sex goddess stardom. Need more proof?

8. The Most Annoying Sound in the World – DUMB AND DUMBER (1994)

Lloyd (Jim Carrey) and Harry (Jeff Daniels) usually don’t pick up hitchhikers but they make an exception for Mental (Mike Starr) and proceed to make his life a living hell. A spur of the moment game of tag, a lovely rendition of the Mocking Bird song and the most annoying sound in the world make sure of this. The car alone (a giant puppy dog) could have been enough to make the list.

9. Tour Guide Barbie – TOY STORY 2 (1999)

It’s just another moment that the sheer brilliance of this film amazes me. While driving around Al’s Toy Barn in search of Al the gang comes across a Barbie pool party and end up receiving a guided tour of the entire store from the fast talking and oddly sexy blonde bombshell. Watch for the JURASSIC PARK reference and the interaction between them and the new BUZZ LIGHTYEAR. “Say, where’d you get the cool belt Buzz? Well slotted pig, they’re standard issue.” Classic stuff.

10. Holy Schnike! – TOMMY BOY (1995)

There are some quality in-car jokes throughout Tommy (Chris Farley) and Richard’s (David Spade) journey into the depths of idiocy. Tommy starts the fun by clipping off the driver side door at the gas station (“What’d you do?”). Then the boys hit a giant deer and keep it the back seat long enough for it to wake up and destroy everything in its path. Of course we can’t forget when Tommy leaves the oil can under the hood causing it to burst open mid-sing-along (see pic above).

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